Manage passwords on Mac
Step one is to find the best way to strengthen — and securely store — passwords on your computer with a master password
PASSWORDS AND OTHER sensitive information should be stored safely inside a secure database known as a container or vault, locked with an encrypted key. This key should be difficult — if not impossible — to break: AES 256 is one of the most trusted forms of encryption out there, used by Apple’s own password manager (known as Keychain) as well as most of the third–party tools we feature here.
Your secure password container’s encryption key can only be unlocked using your master password (see below for tips on creating a strong one). This is the only password you need to remember, so you can update all your passwords with stronger ones. A strong password should be long (14 characters minimum) and either a collection of random letters, numbers, and special characters, or a lengthy passphrase — four random words that can be memorized, but not guessed. Your password manager should provide a password or passphrase generator to do the hard work of setting random passwords.
CHOOSE YOUR TOOL
Which password manager should you use? Apple offers its own Keychain Access tool, built directly into macOS, but it may not be the right option for you. Keychain is best for those who exclusively use Apple products along with Safari or Chrome as their web browser — see the guide below. If you use a mixture of platforms, however, consider another tool. We’ve listed five free password managers on the right, and five more powerful paid–for alternatives over the page.